Great view down Fifth Avenue from St. Regis Hotel Rooftop Ballroom. (Joe Strand)

New York City - Guild Hall celebrated the recipients of the 27th Academy of the Arts Lifetime Achievement Awards at the beautiful St. Regis Hotel Rooftop Ballroom on Monday, March 5, 2012.

Begun in 1985, this year's honorees were Laurie Anderson for Performing Arts; Bruce Weber for Visual Arts; Jon Robin Baitz for Literary Arts; and Dina Merrill, who received a Special Award not only in recognition of her artistic contributions, but for her generous contributions to Guild Hall over the years culminating in the newly named Dina Merrill Pavilion in the John Drew Theatre at Guild Hall.

Marshall Brickman (co-creator of the Broadway musical "Jersey Boys") acted as Master of Ceremonies, and kicked off the evening with his wonderful and comedic story telling ability about a mob inmate named "Juicy" who seriously hoped Brickman would consider his treatment for "Has Anybody Seen Frankie?" Brickman revealed he turned down the offer, however, he now fears for his life.

Photographer Bruce Weber (with Jane Gill) was honored for Visual Arts. (Joe Strand)

With more than 150 guests in attendance, the lively cocktail hour, along with Brickman's ease and warmth kept the evening running smoothly as guests enjoyed a delicious meal of slow-poached pear and goat cheese terrine with aged Balsamic Vinaigrette, roasted filet mignon with Dauphinoise potato, wild mushroom and foie gras flan, and haricots vert with truffle sauce, concluding with chocolate caramel composition, cacao nibs and chocolate ice cream, as well as petit fours. Wines from Copperidge Vineyards (Chardonnay) and Magnolia Grove (Cabernet Sauvignon), both from California, completed a tasty culinary evening as well, sponsored by 1stDibs.com and Allegra LaViola Gallery.

Each honoree and their accomplishments were introduced by special guest presenters: Lou Reed introduced his wife Anderson, artist Eric Fischl introduced Baitz, Ted Hartley introduced his wife Merrill, and former model China Machado, introduced Weber.

Anderson was honored first, and Reed stated "This is a woman who can do anything." She graciously thanked two people - one person who taught her to how to say No, and another who taught her how to say Yes. Anderson relayed an amusing yet insightful story about when she asked the reclusive author Thomas Pynchon for the rights to make an opera of his "Gravity's Rainbow," and his response was 'Fine, with one restriction - it must be for one instrument - the banjo.' Anderson also revealed the advice she received from Buddhist Trungpa Rinpoche who informed her 'You need to learn the skill of feeling sad without being sad.'

Lou Reed (with guest) presented the award to his wife, Laurie Anderson, who was honored for Performing Arts. (Joe Strand)

Model Machado, who claimed to be in her 80s, presented Weber with his award, and credited the photographer with revitalizing her career. Following a video montage of the famed photographer's extensive and diversified work - from nude male models and elephants to his beloved dogs - Weber took to the stage and compared Guild Hall to farm stands - correlating its numerous and available aspects as a "Cornucopia of cultural riches."

Fischl began his presentation to Baitz by revealing that he advised Executive Director of Guild Hall Ruth Appelhof, that he would do so only if he was to receive a one man show - causing laughter among all the artists in the room. In fact, Fischl's work will be on exhibit later this summer at Guild Hall. Talking about how influenced he personally is by Baitz's work, he stated "If the people in my paintings could talk, I would want them to speak Robbie's words." Baitz, who resides in Sag Harbor, displayed appropriate gratitude but with a heartfelt plea "That [I] hope the Hamptons might still attract the young DeKoonings out there and not just be an oasis for the aging waiting for Loaves & Fishes to sell them lobster salad."

Emmanuelle La Salle Hill (left) and China Machado, who presented award to Bruce Weber. (Joe Strand)

The awards presentation concluded when Hartley presented Merrill with her award, and lovingly exclaimed that "She is my lifetime achievement award." Following a video montage of clips from movies and television roles featuring the beautiful, classy and talented actress and philanthropist, Merrill, who was in attendance, accepted her award with a gracious, moving and tasteful video address to guests.

Many East Enders were on hand to show their support for not only their pals but for Guild Hall as well, including Jane Gill, Fern Mallis, Edmund Hollander, Wendy Powers, Ken Olin, April Gornik, Janet O'Brien, Ron Rifkin, Michael and Ninah Lynne, among others.

Prior to Monday's event, President of Guild Hall's Academy of the Arts, Roy Furman, stated "The Awards annually celebrate the creativity of an outstanding group of artists and visionaries on the East End whose work and commitment has consistently delighted and inspired us. The election of these honorees by their peers, over 250 Academy members, speaks volumes for the depth of creative talent in our midst," and this is exactly what Monday's Awards evening revealed - diverse artists whose work spans decades, and whose commitment to the arts and creativity will leave a lasting impression through all the decades to come.

With a silent auction offering a myriad of delights, all funds raised from the Award dinner will benefit Guild Hall's "Mission of celebrating the artistic spirit on the East End by educating, inspiring, and enriching diverse audiences with excellent and engaging year-round programming."